Top tips for exam wellbeing

Mon 17 January, 2022

Exams are on the horizon this month as students return to the University of Bedfordshire’s campuses, so Beds SU has pulled together some handy tips for managing nerves and keeping calm.

Students have powered through with their studies in the wake of the pandemic and although teaching has been back face-to-face and life is slowly getting back to normal, exams can always be a worrying time for some people.

Here are Beds SU’s top five tips for student wellbeing while revising and completing exams…

Revising non-stop all day is no good for your brain. Make sure you schedule regular breaks when you’re working, to give your brain time to absorb what you’ve just taught it.
Some people like to use the Pomodoro Technique, which is where you work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break (usually 30-45 minutes).

Ah, breakfast, the most important meal of the day! Scientists have done loads of research into the science of breakfast, and they generally agree that having something to eat in the morning increases your memory and attention span throughout the day.
Everyone’s bodies are different, though, so if you can’t stomach a full cooked breakfast at 8am, have a breakfast bar or piece of fruit. Something small to give your brain some fuel will go a long way.

If you’re struggling, don’t suffer in silence. Lots of people get really stressed about exams, so you’re not alone if this all feels a bit much. Keep in touch with friends and family! Sometimes, a quick coffee with a friend can make a huge difference to your stress levels.
The University of Bedfordshire’s Mental Health Service is available if you need more support with your mental health and wellbeing.
You can also reach out to Beds SU’s team of specialist advisors who will do their best to offer support or direct you to someone who can. Email help@beds.ac.uk or visit the website.

If you hit a revision wall and you just can’t do any more, change up your environment. If you can go outside to get some deep breaths of fresh air, that’s a great way to get a change of scenery. If you can’t, then open a window and breathe in that cold January air.
This is a great time to do a breathing exercise to help reduce stress. Breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds then breathe out for six seconds. Repeat this as many times as you need!

Sleep is so important. When you’re asleep, your brain saves all the important things from your day to your memory, which is what you’ll need in an exam. If you’re struggling to sleep, even just lying there and resting is better for your brain than no rest at all.
While it’s tempting to stay up until the early hours revising, that’s actually worse for your chances of exam success than getting a good night’s sleep.

Read the full article here.

To find out how Bedfordshire’s Student Support team can help with concerns or worries around exams – or any other part of university life – visit: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support